New packaging renewable and recyclable

By: Michael Lauzon

November 20, 2013

An Australian company has developed a high-barrier packaging material it claims is renewable and recyclable.

Plantic Technologies Ltd. says the new packaging combines PET and the company’s proprietary bioplastics technology to create a structure that is up to 60 percent renewable. Plantic eco Plastic R has an extremely low oxygen transmission rate and the high barrier allows downgauging options. It extends shelf life for meat, poultry and fish from one to three days, according to the Altona-based company.

“The combination of ultra-high barrier performance and renewable materials is truly unique in the packaging sector and brings together the best of both bioplastics and traditional materials,” states Plantic CEO Brendan Morris.

Plantic’s bioplastics contain starch, polymers and other additives.

Plantic says the new packaging can be recycled in PET recovery processes and the renewable barrier material dissolves and biodegrades in the process. Plantic eco Plastic R can be supplied as trays and in rigid and flexible thermoforming roll stock in clear or colored grades. It can be run on standard forming and filling machinery

Plantic claims big environmental savings with the new barrier packaging. It estimates usage of 2.2 million pounds of the packaging can save 5.4 million kilowatt-hours of energy, 5.9 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and 106,000 cubic feet of landfill.

Plantic has production operations in Australia and Germany and a sales office in North Andover, Mass., for the Americas.